Thinking of going tubeless . . . .

[robgul]

I’ve just bought a new carbon road bike (see PlanetX thread) and am thinking of venturing into the world of tubeless – the wheels are Fulcrum Race 700 which are 2-way (i.e. tubed or tubeless) – the question is which tyres to fit in 700 x 28 for general riding, not racing, and reasonable durability etc.

Fulcrum’s data suggests that only Schwalbe tyres should be used? – looking at the Schwalbe catalogue the obvious is the Pro One (SKU 11600810 ) – and with Schwalbe valves and fluid. Schwalbe’s tech stuff suggests topping up the fluid through the valve and then re-inflating, once a month.

Any opinion/advice please?

Rob

 

[lane]

There are some threads on here re tubeless worth searching for.

I have had good experience with Continental GP5000.

With tubeless wider tyres are better so if your bike can take 32mm that would be good. Also run them at lower pressure. But definitely search the previous threads.

 

[CXRAndy]

Schwalbe One Pro are performance tyres so will wear quickly. They offer fantastic grip and speed, but dont expect many thousands of miles. I use One Pros 25/28 For general riding in the UK go bigger for better comfort. Pressures can be much lower around 60-85 psi depending on your weight and comfort you desire. Use 70 mil of sealant per tyre to ensure good sealing function from thorn/flint punctures.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Tubeless tyres are hateful things, in my experience. The side walls are the Achilles heel. Whilst they work, they are very nice, but as soon as you get a hit on the side wall, you’ve had it. Even a tube won’t help, as it will go bang the second you inflate it. If you patch it, you’ll find there’s now not enough room for the tube, and it will go bang the second you try to inflate it enough to avoid a pinch flat. If you do choose to use tubeless, Stan’s Race sealant ( the one in the black bottle, not the one in the white bottle ) is the best choice, in my experience, as it has twice the concentration of sealant particles than all the other available sealants, so will work on bigger tread holes. It won’t save you if you get a side wall cut though.

 

[steveindenmark]

This is Ben Clays Panaracer Gravel King 38 tubeless from the Transcontinental Race. This is after it had completed 4300km.

He really liked it and said it was fast and tough.

 

[Venod]

I have some Scwalbe G One 38mm that measure 40mm on the rim, a fine tread they roll well on or off road, I have some Specialised Roubaix in 32mm that measure 34mm on the rim, more of a slick also roll very well.

Good advice from @lane I would be looking at 32mm and lower pressure, I run mine 45 to 50 psi.

Your rim inner width will affect the fitted width of tyre.

Topping up once a month seems excessive to me, but I always check the pressure before every ride.

I have had success with Stans, fluid, I am currently using Efretto, with success, I did try some Peaty as it was all they had at the LBS, it was very bitty and clogged the valves.

I never run them at high pressure, there is no need and a lot more comfortable at lower.

Not many people go back (although some don't like them) to tubes after trying tubeless.

 

[lane]

in my opinion the tyre / rim combination can make or break tubeless. I do know someone who gave up with it because when he got a puncture that would not seal he tried to put a tube in but the tube was too tight to remove. He should have tried worms first anyway. With my rim tyre combination it has all been really easy and worked well but not yet had a puncture I know of. I run 32s at around 60 to 65 psi.

 

[lane]

Sidewall damage is reputed to be an issue on GP5000s tubeless or otherwise as it was on GP4000s. I take mine down loads of gravelly tracks and so far been OK. A sidewall cut is going to be an issue if you have tubed or tubeless. Probably fast light tyres which tubeless mostly are will suffer more sidewall failures.

 

[Sharky]

My Dad went tubeless before WW2.
The inner died on him, so he stuffed the tyre with grass and got home!

 

[lane]

There are a number of threads on tubeless. I wonder if we should have a sticky where people can document thier experiences and build a resource which would be helpful.

 

[robgul]

There are a number of threads on tubeless. I wonder if we should have a sticky where people can document thier experiences and build a resource which would be helpful.

That would be a good idea - I had consulted the oracle, the late Sheldon, at https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tubeless.html where there are mixed views.

Have to say that a couple friends that have gone tubeless with some quite smart roadbikes have been pleased with them and had no problems - and of the customers I see in my shop with tubeless about 95% are happy with them (although they are probably divided 50/50 between road and MTB)

Rob

 

[mudsticks]

That would be a good idea - I had consulted the oracle, the late Sheldon, at https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tubeless.html where there are mixed views.

Have to say that a couple friends that have gone tubeless with some quite smart roadbikes have been pleased with them and had no problems - and of the customers I see in my shop with tubeless about 95% are happy with them (although they are probably divided 50/50 between road and MTB)

Rob

Planning on going tubeless with my Tough road hybrid, next week, as the pros seem to massively outweigh the cons for my kind of riding 80% on road 20% track, but not doing serious gnarl.

I've had two punctures in as many months.. Quite a high failure rate (for me) I think this may be due to brambles being allowed to grow across less often used cycleways.

Didn't realise there were various grades of gunk as well, but markets being what they are I guess that would be a thing.

Can anyone persuade me to lash more cash on the higher grade stuff?
Is it worth the wonga??

I'm not planning on going canyoning with my bike, it's probs just going be the usual thorns, small flints, and general road detritus.

 

[CXRAndy]

Can anyone persuade me to lash more cash on the higher grade stuff?
Is it worth the wonga??

I use Orange sealant, it doesn't dry out a fast as Stans. I use 70 mil per tyre on 25/28 mm tyres and upto 100 mil on 40mm+ tyres.

Its important to have enough sealant to do its job. Larger tyres require less pressure. My 40 mm G Ones are run 45-50 psi. They are great all round tyres. I can do 20mph average rides with a 40mm tyre or go off road on trails.

 

[mudsticks]

I use Orange sealant, it doesn't dry out a fast as Stans. I use 70 mil per tyre on 25/28 mm tyres and upto 100 mil on 40mm+ tyres.

Its important to have enough sealant to do its job. Larger tyres require less pressure. My 40 mm G Ones are run 45-50 psi. They are great all round tyres. I can do 20mph average rides with a 40mm tyre or go off road on trails.

Thank you!

I don't mind paying a bit more, if its going to do a better job

 

[robgul]

An order has been placed for the Schwalbe Pro One 700-28 tyres + the Schwalbe sealant. The wheels are Fulcrum tubeless ready and they recommend Schwalbe stuff as being the preferred combination.

Time will tell!

Rob